Topological Josephson junction in transverse magnetic field

TL;DR

This paper studies Majorana zero modes in a topological insulator Josephson junction under transverse magnetic field, revealing symmetry-protected modes and potential for quantum computing control.

Contribution

It demonstrates symmetry protection of Majorana zero modes at zero chemical potential and proposes methods to control their tunnel coupling.

Findings

Majorana modes are located at Josephson vortex nodes.

Symmetries prevent hybridization of zero modes at zero chemical potential.

Results suggest improved protection and control for quantum information applications.

Abstract

We consider Majorana zero modes in a Josephson junction on top of a topological insulator in transverse magnetic field. Majorana zero modes reside at periodically located nodes of Josephson vortices. We find that hybridization of these modes is prohibited by symmetries of the problem at vanishing chemical potential, which ensures better protection of zero modes and yields methods to control the tunnel coupling between Majorana modes for quantum information processing applications.